Eastern Maine General Hospital, ca. 1953
Item 16202 info
Eastern Maine Medical Center
In 1953, "The medical staff has completed a record year of accomplishment...The institution is recognized more than ever before as a Medical Center of a talented and well-trained professional group."--Director Frank Curran
The state increases the appropriation for state aid cases by 22 percent.
Trustees approve a 40-hour workweek for staff nurses "made in conjunction with the rate increase it necessitated."
Continuing education for nursing faculty continues to develop in the form of "extra-mural," in-service and clinical workshop programs.
In 1954, Caroline and Adeline Wing donate a substantial area of land between State Street and the river.
The operating deficit is $82,000, reduced by endowment and gifts to $5,000. "There is need of more arduous efforts in collecting."
A modern radioactive isotope laboratory for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer begins service.
Microfilm is now used to store hospital records.
Blaisdell Building's elevator is converted to automatic control.
In 1955, "EMGH is a necessary unit in connection with the possible requirements of civil defense and is prepared to meet any emergencies to the greatest extent possible."
The plastic and reconstructive surgery section is established with the appointment of John Van Duyn, M.D.
The scope of radiation therapy is expanded dramatically following the appointment of Edward C. Porter, M.D. The hospital acquires 142 mgs. of radium and the Atomic Energy Commission authorizes Drs. Porter and Cutler for the use of radioactive elements in diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Lawrence L. Weed is appointed the first director of medical education.
The Auxiliary mounts another "gigantic country fair, a project requiring months of preparation."
In 1956, "Hampering crowds of non- X-ray patients and hospital personnel who daily tramp through the department on our only corridor" are just two reasons cited by Dr. Hugh Allen Smith in his report on constraints facing the radiology department.
Nursing students are inoculated with the Salk vaccine.
Dietary department initiates selective menus for patients; walk-in refrigerators are completely relined and mechanically overhauled by the maintenance department.
A collegiate program in nursing is established in cooperation with the University of Maine.
An X-ray therapy unit is purchased and installed.
In 1957, the trustees approve construction of a three-story building to house X-ray services, and an additional 40 patient beds (the design will permit the addition of three more floors as funds become available). The decision to move ahead was stimulated by a Ford Foundation grant of $158,000.
Obstetrical service becomes the obstetrical and gynecological service, with Magnus Ridlon, M.D. as chief.
A department of volunteer services is established under the direction of Rose Leddy.
An anonymous donor makes possible purchase of a private home adjacent to the west, enabling future expansion and maintaining the "assurance that our exceptionally ideal location will be fully protected."
The 40-hour week now applies to student nurses as well as employees.
In 1958, trustees successfully negotiate with the Hill-Burton committee in the Legislature, assuring that 40 percent of the cost of the new diagnostic building will be covered by the Hill-Burton Fund.
"The school (of nursing) has had difficulty securing enough qualified applicants for the past two years. Our attrition rate has been high, with marriage being the greatest single cause, failure and dislike of nursing coming next." --Nursing director Mabel F. Booth
From the nursing student handbook: "Three one-piece uniforms. 6 aprons. 6 bibs. 2 caps. 3 pair cuffs and 3 collars are allowed weekly. No class cuts are allowed. In cold or inclement weather no student is to go out of doors without a wrap. No slacks may be worn in the dining room. If student is unable to leave a ward, she must call the cafeteria and report that she is to be late. Students must go to the health office during the first week of each month and be weighed."
Surgery adds an automatic washing machine for cleaning of rubber gloves.
The Auxiliary continues to support the nursing program: this year gifts include silver and dishes for the brunch room; a television, radio and hi-fi set; books and card tables; lawn furniture and a barbeque.
The Diagnostic and Treatment Building (later named in honor of trustee Robert N. Haskell) opens in 1959, adding new quarters for the radiology department and 42 patient beds. "At long last the Department of Radiology has left its former subterranean abode in the basement...and has completed the transference of machinery and personnel to the sunshine and hope of the first floor of the new building." --Radiologist Hugh Allan Smith
The hospital continues to post an operating loss, pegged to the shortfall resulting from "rising costs of operation" and "$500,000 (in free care) for which the state reimbursement was less than $180,000." In order to keep pace with other institutions, trustees approve a general wage increase.
"In keeping with its policy of considering, as rapidly as feasible, possible improvements in the Hospital, the Board ...engaged the firm of Eaton Tarbell & Associates to conduct a preliminary survey in regard to a new Pediatric Unit." --Trustee president Robert N. Haskell
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